refused to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

"refused to comment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone is asked a question and they choose not to answer it. For example: When asked about the incident, the governor refused to comment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(He refused to comment).

The New York Times

Yahoo refused to comment.

The New York Times - Tech

(Blagojevich refused to comment).

The New Yorker

She refused to comment.

The New York Times

Mr Kitcat refused to comment.

Independent

Mr Hague refused to comment.

Independent

Spurs refused to comment PA.

Independent

First, he refused to comment.

The New York Times

The Adm. refused to comment.

The New Yorker

Lafarge has refused to comment.

The Economist

The Government refused to comment.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting that a group or company chose not to provide information, attribute the phrase properly by including name and role (e.g. "A company spokesman refused to comment.")

Common error

Avoid using "refused to comment" to imply guilt or wrongdoing. The phrase simply indicates a lack of response, not necessarily an admission of anything. Ensure accurate attribution to avoid libel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refused to comment" functions as a declarative statement within news reporting and general communication. It reports a subject's unwillingness to provide information or an opinion on a specific matter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refused to comment" is a grammatically correct and very common expression, primarily employed in news and media contexts to neutrally report that a subject declined to provide information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal use. Alternative phrases like "declined to comment" or "offered no comment" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Ensure attribution is accurate to avoid misrepresentation. This phrase serves to inform rather than imply judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined to comment

Uses a more formal verb to express the same refusal to provide a statement.

offered no comment

Indicates that no statement was given, emphasizing the absence of a response.

remained silent

Focuses on the lack of verbal response, implying a deliberate choice not to speak.

would not disclose

Suggests a withholding of information, implying a secret or sensitive matter.

did not respond

A simple statement indicating a lack of response to a query.

kept mum

An informal expression indicating a refusal to speak about something.

stonewalled

Suggests an active obstruction of information flow, often in a political context.

clammed up

An informal way to say someone suddenly became unwilling to talk.

gave a non-answer

Implies the response did not provide useful information.

evaded the question

Indicates an attempt to avoid answering directly.

FAQs

How is "refused to comment" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "refused to comment" is generally used to indicate that a person or organization declined to provide a statement on a particular issue. For example, "The CEO "refused to comment" on the ongoing investigation."

What are some alternative phrases for "refused to comment"?

Some alternatives to "refused to comment" include "declined to comment", "offered no comment", or "remained silent". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use "refused to comment" in formal writing?

Yes, "refused to comment" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in journalistic or legal contexts. It is a neutral and professional way to report that someone did not provide a statement.

When is it better to use "declined to comment" instead of "refused to comment"?

Declined to comment is a slightly more formal alternative to "refused to comment". While both are acceptable, "declined" may be preferred in highly formal or academic writing.